Coquitlam Community

Coquitlam, in conjunction with Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, completes the real estate area known as the “Tri-Cities”, which together occupy the region at the foot of Eagle Mountain, between the head of the Burrard Inlet and the Fraser River, in the Fraser Valley.

Sandwiched between Port Moody and Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam itself has three distinct areas, each with its own style. Southwest Coquitlam is where the majority of French-Canadian workers settled and many of the original historical buildings are still standing; Coquitlam Town Centre is the “urban” core; and Westwood Plateau is 1,400 acres of residential development. Approximately 30 – 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver by car, and a 30-minute ride on the West Coast Express commuter train, Coquitlam is fast becoming a popular alternative to the busy city lifestyle.

Coquitlam is an area steeped in West Coast history. The first inhabitants of the area were the Coast Salish, but by the beginning of the 19th century, with the opening of Fraser Mills, Coquitlam was a young mill town. The eventual arrival of French-Canadian workers resulted in a strong and vibrant French-Canadian community called Maillardville on the south slope of Coquitlam. The City of Coquitlam is committed to preserving the local history, and in 2002 it completed the “Heritage Strategic Plan” – a plan designed to ensure that the City’s heritage is written into policy.

Coquitlam's geography is every bit as spectacular as the surrounding communities. Lined with spectacular natural trails for biking, hiking, and walking, Coquitlam is the ideal place for those who enjoy outdoor sports. Both within and without the city limits, residents and visitors can find several protected parks for picnicking, and Coquitlam also provides many complexes for indoor sports like basketball, swimming, tennis, hockey, and lacrosse. As well, there are a range of camps for children, and various other programs and events for people of all ages. But the great outdoors is not the only thing going in Coquitlam: for those who love to shop, the 910,000 foot, 2 storey Coquitlam Centre Mall is just the thing.